2014 January Recycling eNewsletter

1/24/2014

Beyond Recycling: Take It to the Next Level, 2/4

Join us for a Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Conversation on Tuesday, February 4 at 7:00pm at Dwelltime, 364 Broadway. Cambridge Recycling Director, Ms. Randi Mail, will lead a lively discussion of steps we can take that go beyond normal recycling practices. Topics include zero waste solutions for individuals and benefits of reuse. We will look at personal choices and City initiatives that can significantly reduce our carbon footprint. This is the first in a series of "Conversations About Living in Mid-Cambridge," informal evening get togethers which will begin with a brief talk followed by an opportunity for small and large group conversations on a topic. For more info contact john_pitkin@earthlink.net.

Time to Recycle Phonebooks

It’s the new year so please make sure to recycle extra phonebooks in the curbside program. Remove plastic bags or plastic wrap. If you haven’t already done so, register for FREE at www.catalogchoice.org to create an account and choose to opt out of mail from over 4000 companies. For example, you can stop receiving unwanted phone books, catalogs, coupons, credit card offers, donation requests, and other junk mail that arrive daily and clutter your home or office. Companies on Catalog Choice will honor opt-out requests, so add them to “your choices”. Thousands of Cambridge residents are signed up for this service and have opted out of over 25,000 different unwanted mailings!

Virtual Recycling & Trash Tour, 2/10

Members of the public are invited to attend a virtual recycling & trash tour on Monday, February 10 at 6pm at Public Works at 147 Hampshire St in the main conference room. Cambridge Recycling Director, Ms. Randi Mail, will show a video, share pictures and talk about the recycling process, what happens to our trash, composting initiatives, and ways to reduce waste. Adults and children welcome. Please RSVP to recycle@cambridgema.gov.

iReport for Missed Pickups & Snow Reminder

If your recycling, trash, or yard waste was missed, use iReport, the city’s online and mobile app! Please submit your request no later than 12 noon the day after collection on iReport, or call DPW at 617-349-4800. Please keep your material at the curb. iReport also lets you report potholes, graffiti, unshovelled sidewalks, rodent sightings, and defective streetlights.

During winter, clear snow to curb so that collection crews can access your trash barrels and recycling toters and they are not behind snow banks. For more click here. Thank you!

Two Winter Farmers Markets in Cambridge!

This winter, be sure to check out two winter farmers markets in Cambridge:
• Wednesdays from 11am-3pm through April 2014 at the Alexandria Atrium, 100 Technology Square near Kendall Square. For more info contact gilsonherbs@aol.com.

• Saturdays from 10am-2pm through April 2014 at the Cambridge Community Center 5 Callender Street in the Riverside neighborhood. For more info contact kimmotyl@gmail.com.

The RAC was established in the City’s Mandatory Recycling Ordinance passed in March 1991 and has been a tremendous force in growing our programs and volunteering to make our program the success that it is. The RAC provides advice, assistance and recommendations to the DPW Commissioner regarding the City’s recycling, toxics reduction and waste prevention programs as well as the implementation of strategies to meet the goals in the MA Solid Waste Master Plan, Pathway to Zero Waste, and the City’s Climate Protection Plan. For more info, click here.